Moving from one home to another can be stressful. Having to move your home office while keeping your business running can put you over the edge.
The last time I had to move my home office I dreaded it, but it turned out that my move was less stressful than I thought it would be. I credit my smooth move to planning ahead and following these five tips.
1. Pack only what you need.
This is the perfect time to trash and donate what you don’t need. Think of the time you’ll save unpacking. Don’t be surprised if you find supplies you forgot you had. This is also a good time to make a list of the supplies you’ll need for your new home office.
2. Measure twice, move once.
Take the time to measure your new home office space and your existing furniture, and plan where you want everything to go. I laid out my office on CAD (computer-aided design) but you can do the same with graph paper and a pencil. If you don’t plan ahead, you may face the same fate as a friend of mine who ordered a top-of-the-line armoire that was too big to round the corner at the top of her stairs.
3. Do an outlet count.
Before you move, make sure your home office has enough outlets. Also, double check that your outlets are grounded. If not, hire a licensed electrician to do the work. If you’re in an older home, chances are that the outlets aren’t grounded so you’ll want to convert those too.
4. Don’t forget Internet access.
Call your Internet provider as soon as you know you’re going to move to make sure you have Internet access before you move. After my previous move, I had to wait a week for Internet access. I don’t recommend that you try to do business full-time on a handheld!
5. Set up your kitchen and home office first.
I moved on a weekday (because it was cheaper) and the first thing I did was set up my laptop. Then I moved to the kitchen where I unpacked dishes, silverware and anything else my family and I would need for the week. When you consider that the kitchen is where most families spend a majority of their time, if you set up your kitchen right away your household can run smoothly while you work.
Running your own business can be stressful. Moving your home office doesn’t have to be. Plan ahead and you can keep your business on track, even while you’re moving.
How have you made a home office move easier?
I’ve had two clients move who maintained home offices. We suggested that they rent an office for a month (two weeks prior and two weeks post) for the move. Finish all projects possible, and move the files for those that couldn’t to the temporary abode. (It should make a one file box possibility, especially with today’s computers)…. Then, you have full office capabilities (phone, internet, etc.) as the home is being set-up.
The other primary reason is that one is tempted to take even more time to set up the home after the move. This way, one finishes one work- and then returns home to set up the house. Work doesn’t suffer- and the home can be properly set up over a week or two. Once the boxes are gone, work productivity is possible at home.
RAAckerman @ Cerebrations.biz recently posted..Here’s to Anni!
I love that idea. I especially like the part that includes a deadline for set-up. You’re right that otherwise, it could take weeks or months for someone to set up their home office. Thanks for the suggestion!
Lisa recently posted..5 Ways to Make Your Home Office Move Less Stressful
I never thought about counting outlets. It was always just something I thought of later. Great idea!
Anthony Caruso recently posted..Chipotle Maple Black Beans (Guilt-free and Gluten-free)
You’re not alone. Most people don’t think about it until after they’ve moved in. Fortunately it’s a quick fix.
Lisa recently posted..5 Ways to Make Your Home Office Move Less Stressful
Whoot! Perfect timing for me Lisa as I am about to close down the computer this morning to move my whole office about 10 feet! I never even considered an outlet count and just did that and discovered I have enough (whew!).
Although I won’t have to worry about setting up internet access I realized I might mess up something and so made sure my laptop is connected wirelessly. It’s not as nice to work on but better then the alternative of nothing!
Super tips.
Bonnie recently posted..Can You Get Out of A Learned Life Pattern?
I’m glad these tips helped. Even a short move takes planning and effort. Please send me a pic of your new home office.
Lisa recently posted..5 Ways to Make Your Home Office Move Less Stressful
Great list of reminders. I’ll be moving soon and have yet to pack up my office. Our current home had outlets on nearly every wall, which was fantastic. This week however, I’m working out of my daughter’s home, where outlets aren’t so widely used, and no power strip to utilize either. The pack up what you use first is a great way of making sure you have everything you need… the opposite of what I’ve done in the past, of packing what I don’t need. As always, wonderful tips, Lisa.
You never can have too many outlets! It has to be frustrating not to be able to use a power strip but I’m glad you’re making it work. Good luck with your upcoming move.
Lisa recently posted..5 Ways to Make Your Home Office Move Less Stressful
Great tips for people working from home in home offices. Moving could really effect their work. But by following the above tips, the effects ciould be minimised.
You’re right. Moving is always a bigger process than people think it will be. Thanks for stopping by.
Lisa recently posted..How to Avoid Being Up All Night While Working From Home